The Watcher

by Bella Jewel

Seven years ago, Marlie Jacobson was kidnapped by a serial killer-and lived to tell about it. But it was actually her mother who told the story, in a bestselling book that made Marlie famous. Today, she's known as the girl who slayed a killer. The one who got away. Now, there's just one thing Marlie wants to get away from: her past. But when her little sister disappears, her worst fears come rushing back-with a vengeance. Kenai Michelson is a world-renowned investigator. Dark, brooding, and dangerously good-looking, he's the kind of man Marlie would normally avoid at all costs. But Kenai is her only hope in finding her missing sister. Together, Kenai and Marlie follow a trail of clues that leads them toward the truth-and into each other's arms. As her trust in Kenai grows, so does their fierce connection. But will their desire turn deadly as they close in on a ruthless enemy who's watching their every move?

• ISBN10: 1250108381
• ISBN13: 9781250108388
• Publish Date: 30 May 2017
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 27 August 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Paperback (A-Format (178x111 mm))
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[thebookdisciple]

I gobbled up 72 hours by Bella Jewel and the end gives a little glimpse into The Watcher. Needless to say, I was making grabby hands right away!

The Watcher is the story of Marlie, the lone survivor of a serial killer. The story takes place 7 years after her escape and centers around the disappearance of her sister. So, right away I start thinking who might be responsible. By chapter 7, I have a list:

1. Kaitlyn's boyfriend and drug dealing buddies. This seems the obvious choice, and it is what the cops think is most likely.


2. The mom...I know, not what you would think, but this woman made MILLIONS off Marlie and maybe she is willing to do something to her other daughter so she can sell that story too.


3. Hannah. Ok, I don't really have any reason to suspect her other than she seems too nice to be real. How jaded does that make me?


4. Someone obsessed with Marlie/her story who kidnaps her sister as a way to get to her.

It doesn't take long for my brain to start being suspicious of everyone. But, while I am being suspicious, Marlie is trying to find her sister the only way she can: hiring a professional named Kenai. Kenai is a giant dickwad. He is rude, callous, and just plain mean. But, he agrees to take the case and suddenly he and Marlie are on a road trip to track down her sister. Kenai might be a giant douchecanoe, but he is hot...

The story is told from Marlie's POV, so you don't know why Kenai is so gruff. That makes understanding him as a character really difficult and he is the type of character you really need to understand. Without knowing why he is so cold you are left just seeing a jerk. A hottie for sure, but still a jerk. That made him a tough sell as a hero in my book. But, once he opens up, and once Marlie opens up to him, it all makes sense. I still struggled with understanding him since the book is strictly Marlie's POV except for maybe 2 chapters near the end. I think this is why I struggled with really believing in them as a couple. The suspense, mystery, and danger are all so well written, but the romance kind of falls flat for me. The creepiness factor of this story is high! Bella Jewel does an excellent job of building suspense and keeping you nervous. While some aspects of the plot seemed obvious to me, there were still lots of little surprises that I wasn't prepared for.

Narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell, the audio is perfection as well. These two are a powerhouse team of narrators and have done many books together previously. Joe Arden doesn't have much to read because, as I mentioned, Kenai's POV is only like 2 chapters, but Maxine Mitchell does an excellent job. I enjoyed having both the book and the audio so that even on my 40 min drive to and from work, I didn't have to stop the story!

With the unknown danger a constant threat waiting to pounce, The Watcher keeps you reading long past your bedtime as you desperately try to solve the puzzle!

 

• POV: 1st


• Tears: no


• Trope: kidnapping


• Triggers: Marlie survived a serial killer; her time with him is only very briefly described, but her PTSD is still very present in her current life


• Series/Standalone: stand alone


• Cliffhanger: no


• HEA: yes with epilogue

After the Dark by Cynthia Eden, Taken by Cynthia Eden, The Enforcer by Helenkay Dimon...then you will probably like The Watcher!

The Watcher

 

See full review on The Book Disciple

[Eve1972]

LOVE this cover. Great use of graphics. Great representation of the story. Good composition. All that said, it loses a star because the author's name should NOT be the most prominent text on a book cover. EVER. PERIOD. Not only that but it is placed in the middle of the cover where the title should be. GAAH..that makes this OCD graphics designer CRAZY! *lol*



CHRIST-ON-A-CRACKER I thought book one was amazeballs but this one surpassed even that! Fantastically well written and paced. Interesting and unique plot. It had twists and turns (I did Sherlock who the baddie was quite early...go me). It was dark. It was twisted. It was gag worthy. It had a couple of hot sex scenes.

It also had two extremely likable main characters. Although I wanted to nut punch Kenai (how in the hell do you pronounce that name??) for the first 30% of the book. He was a massive asshole. That said Marlie was da bomb and stood up to him and gave him attitude right back. That helped to soften my dislike for Kenai.

I am now chomping at the bit for book three. Two HUGE thumbs up from yours truly.